When your bathroom or kitchen sink is clogged, it might seem like a good idea to reach for an over-the-counter drain cleaner to loosen the clog. After all, it's fast, easy, and convenient. However, you need to be very careful as this kind of remedy has risks and can actually cause damage to your pipes.

If you're considering an over-the-counter drain cleaner, be aware that there are positives and negatives to their use. You need to weigh these to determine if it's worth it for you:

The biggest benefit of using OTC drain cleaners is that they're convenient, easy to use, and are relatively inexpensive. OTC drain cleaners tend to work quickly on clogs caused by hair, grease, and food.

The chemicals used to make OTC drain cleaners are harsh and can be harmful to you and your family. These same chemicals can cause corrosion damage to your plumbing pipes, which can lead to water leaks down the line. OTC drain cleaners can even cause PVC pipes to soften and become misshapen. 

Slow or clogged drains in your kitchen or bathroom sink, tub or shower can be frustrating. It may be convenient to reach for a bottle of OTC drain cleaner, but it might not be the safest idea with long term results. Rather than risk injury or damage to your pipes, it's better to leave drain clearing to the professionals.

If you have a drain that's clogged, contact us at City Plumbing & Rooter and we'll be happy to send out one of our technicians to assess the problem. With our advanced training and top-of-the-line equipment, clogged drains don't stand a chance!